The Detroit Tigers started Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, with individual pictures, followed by practice. First rounder pitcher Alex Faedo faced major-league hitters for the first time, too. Video by Kirthmon F. Dozier/DFP
Wochit

Highlights of this day in history: Malcolm X assassinated; President Richard Nixon visits China; Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart makes a tearful confession; Steve Fossett is the first to fly across the Pacific Ocean in a balloon. (Feb. 21)
AP

A Dearborn Heights police officer faces a felony charge in connection with a fatal crash that happened in January.

Larry Little, 33, was charged Tuesday with reckless driving causing death, punishable by up to 15 years in prison if convicted, a spokeswoman for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release.

According to prosecutors, Little was driving at a “high rate of speed” in a 40 m.p.h. zone when he collided with a car in Taylor. Timothy Turner, 59, of Wixom died from injuries sustained in the crash, officials said.

Prosecutors allege the police car's overhead lights were off and the siren wasn't activated. The crash happened at Van Born Road and Pelham Road while Little was on duty with his partner.

Little's attorney could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

Dearborn Heights Police Chief Lee Gavin said Little is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. He said Little has been on leave since he was charged with a misdemeanor in connection with the accident several months ago.

Little was initially charged with a misdemeanor count of moving violation causing death in July.

Prosecutors said last month a judge ruled that running the car without the lights and siren "should be assessed under a reckless standard rather than negligence standard" and requested a new warrant be issued in the case.

Little is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 13 in 23rd District Court in Taylor on the felony charge, officials said. The misdemeanor charge will be dismissed after that.